Kenyan Delegation Explores Innovation at Autopromotec 2025 Advancing Aftersales, EVs, and Supply Chain Potential
By Timothy Albrite
At this year’s Autopromotec exhibition in Bologna, Italy, a group of six Kenyan delegates sponsored by the Italian Trade Agency set out to explore new technologies, forge partnerships, and bring home actionable insights for the country’s evolving mobility sector.
Read: Kenya at AUTOPROMOTEC 2025: A walk through the most specialised automotive aftermarket exhibition.
Autonews magazine, also in attendance, caught up with Naresh Leeka, Managing Director of the Motor Division at Simba Corporation; Alex Muchilwa, Head of Legal & Policy at ROAM Electric; John Kavila, COO of Mobius Motors; and Manish Shah, Managing Director of Rubber Products Limited, to reflect on their takeaways from the global showcase of aftermarket innovation.
Naresh Leeka – Managing Director, Simba Corporation
For Naresh Leeka, Autopromotec was a chance to tap into global innovation that could improve service efficiency in Kenya’s aftersales sector. He was particularly impressed by laser-based rust and paint removal systems, which offer cleaner, faster, and more precise results compared to the manual methods still common in most local garages.
“These technologies drastically cut service time. What took four hours now takes two, with better results,” he noted. Leeka emphasized that keeping vehicles on the road longer, safer, and in better condition hinges on adopting modern service tools and practices.
Simba Corporation, one of Kenya’s most diversified automotive groups, continues to lead the market in innovation. It was the first company to win a government tender for electric vehicles (EVs) and is now the leading distributor of EVs for passenger vehicles, through its partnership with MG. The company has also adopted Euro 5 emissions standards ahead of national requirements.
From the fuel-efficient Mahindra vehicles to locally assembled Proton vehicles, Simba’s product portfolio demonstrates a strong commitment to value, technology, and sustainability.
Alex Muchilwa – Head of Legal & Policy, ROAM Electric
At ROAM Electric, the mission is to transform African mobility through electric motorcycles and buses. For Alex Muchilwa, Autopromotec offered the opportunity to build new partnerships with manufacturers of charging systems, components, and welding technologies.
“These suppliers offer innovation that can raise our product standards,” he said. However, he noted that innovation comes at a cost and stressed the need for government support, particularly through tax exemptions, to make EV components more accessible and affordable.
ROAM is not waiting on policy changes alone. The company is heavily investing in technical training to build in-house capacity and address Kenya’s growing EV skills gap. It is on track to deploy 5,000 electric motorcycles by end-year, alongside a rapidly expanding charging network and electrified mass transit infrastructure.
John Kavila – Chief Operating Officer, Mobius Motors
Mobius Motors, Kenya’s only homegrown car manufacturer known for building rugged vehicles tailored for the African terrain, is reviving its aftersales service, and Autopromotec 2025 couldn’t have come at a better time. COO John Kavila was in search of tools, diagnostics, and global best practices to help Mobius rebuild its service infrastructure and prepare for its transition to EVs.
“Some of the tools we’ve seen here are best-in-class. That’s the bar we’re setting,” said Kavila.
Kavila noted a stark difference between European precision tools and the ‘kienyeji’ improvisations often seen in Kenya. “Without quality tools, you can’t deliver quality service,” he said.
As electric vehicles require less frequent servicing but demand specialized expertise, Kavila affirmed the importance of equipping workshops with the right diagnostic systems and technician training. He urged government reforms, including tax reductions and incentive schemes, to make these tools more affordable.
Mobius sees local assembly not only as a business opportunity but as a national strategy to drive employment, reduce costs, and build resilience in the supply chain.
Manish Shah – Managing Director, Rubber Products Limited
For Manish Shah, Autopromotec was a window into the next generation of manufacturing and quality assurance systems. From robotics to smart automation, the level of precision on display left a strong impression.
“It’s a new global standard, and we can’t afford to be left behind,” he remarked.
As the head of one of Kenya’s key rubber and automotive component manufacturers, Shah sought supplier relationships that could elevate local product quality. He believes that integrating modern technologies into Kenya’s supply chain will ensure durable, high-quality products for consumers and give local manufacturers a competitive edge.
He sees this moment as a turning point. “Modernizing Kenya’s supply chain is critical for long-term success,” he said.
Across all four delegates, several common themes emerged, painting a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities facing Kenya’s mobility sector:
- Technology Gap: From workshops to warehouses, local tools and systems are outdated. There is an urgent need for modern diagnostic tools, digital servicing systems, and automation.
- Skills Development: EVs and advanced diagnostic tools demand a highly skilled workforce. Investing in local talent is not just necessary, it’s strategic.
- Policy Enablement: Delegates emphasized the need for clear and supportive government policies tax incentives, and regulatory frameworks to facilitate the adoption of sustainable technologies.
- Local Assembly & Supply Chain Growth: Building vehicles and components locally is seen as a long-term solution for reducing costs, increasing employment, and enhancing self-reliance. Italian companies were encouraged to explore setting up manufacturing operations in Kenya to serve the regional market.
The partnerships and insights forged at Autopromotec 2025 may well become the spark that drives Kenya’s automotive sector into a smarter, greener, and more globally connected era.
To explore partnerships with Italian automotive suppliers, contact the ITA Nairobi office at: nairobi@ice.it
